Integrated tow hitch and bumper assembly

ABSTRACT

A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/605,341 filed Sep. 23, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/352,304, filed Jan. 27, 2003 nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,739,613, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/910,772 filed Jul. 23, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No.6,581,955, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/698,711,filed Oct. 27, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,848, which is a continuationof U.S. Ser. No. 09/296,185, filed Apr. 26, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No.6,179,320. All of the forgoing patents and applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to rear bumpers for motorvehicles and, more specifically, to a tow hitch rear bumper assembly fora motor vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is known that a motor vehicle is equipped with a rear bumper assemblyin order to protect its body in a low speed vehicle collision condition.It is also known that a separate tow hitch assembly may be equipped to arear end of the motor vehicle in order to provide the motor vehicle withadditional towing capacity. The rear bumper assembly typically includesa beam that extends transversely across the rear end of the motorvehicle. The tow hitch assembly typically includes a tow hitch receiverwhich is disposed under and welded to a transverse tubular cross memberand the tubular cross member is mounted to a frame of the motor vehiclethrough a pair of mounting brackets.

Although the above separate rear bumper and tow hitch assemblies haveworked well, it is desirable to integrate these two assemblies into asingle assembly in order to share their rigidity for both functions. Itis also desirable to have an assembly, which will be lightweight andmore durable while still meeting the motor vehicle towing requirement.It is further desirable to provide an integrated assembly that willenhance the rear bumper protection function in a low speed vehiclecollision condition. It is yet further desirable to provide an assemblyin which the tow hitch extends through the rear bumper. It is stillfurther desirable to provide a cover for the tow hitch and rear bumper.Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an integrated tow hitchand rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is a tow hitch rear bumper assemblyfor a motor vehicle. The tow hitch rear bumper assembly includes a rearbumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle. The tow hitchrear bumper assembly also includes a tow hitch extending through andintegral with the rear bumper.

In addition, the present invention is a cover assembly for a motorvehicle including a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motorvehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rearbumper. The cover assembly also includes a rear bumper fascia forattachment to the motor vehicle to conceal the rear bumper and aremovable door attached to the rear bumper fascia to conceal the towhitch.

One advantage of the present invention is that a tow hitch rear bumperassembly is provided for a motor vehicle. Another advantage of thepresent invention is that the tow hitch rear bumper assembly integratesa tow hitch and rear bumper for a motor vehicle. Yet another advantageof the present invention is that the tow hitch rear bumper assembly hasa tow hitch which extends through the rear bumper to raise the height orclearance of the tow hitch relative to a driving surface. Still anotheradvantage of the present invention is that the tow hitch rear bumperassembly reduces possible damage to the motor vehicle in a low speedvehicle collision condition. A further advantage of the presentinvention is that the tow hitch rear bumper assembly is lightweight andmeets motor vehicle towing requirements. Yet a further advantage of thepresent invention is that a cover assembly is provided for a motorvehicle to cover a tow hitch and rear bumper of the motor vehicle.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readilyappreciated, as the same becomes better understood, after reading thesubsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tow hitch rear bumper assembly,according to the present invention, illustrated in operationalrelationship with a motor vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly and aportion of the motor vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly and aportion of the motor vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the tow hitch rearbumper assembly after a high-speed vehicle collision condition.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment, according to thepresent invention, of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the tow hitch rear bumper assemblyof FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the tow hitch rear bumper assemblyof FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of yet another embodiment, according to thepresent invention, of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the tow hitch rear bumper assemblyof FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cover assembly, according to thepresent invention, illustrated in operational relationship with a motorvehicle.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover assembly looking in adirection of arrow 13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the cover assembly of FIG.12.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12.

DETAILS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, oneembodiment of a tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10, according to thepresent invention, is illustrated in operational relationship with amotor vehicle, generally indicated at 12, such as a pick-up truck orsport utility vehicle. The tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10 is locatedat a rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12 and allows for towing ofanother vehicle such as a trailer (not shown) behind the rear end 13 ofthe motor vehicle 12. The motor vehicle 12 includes a frame, generallyindicated at 14. The frame 14 includes a pair of side rails 16 and 18extending longitudinally to the rear end 13 and spaced transversely. Theside rails 16 and 18 are generally hollow with a rectangularcross-sectional shape. The side rails 16 and 18 are made of a metalmaterial such as steel. It should be appreciated that the side rails 16and 18 are conventional and known in the art. It should also beappreciated that, except for the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10, themotor vehicle 12 is conventional and known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10includes a rear bumper, generally indicated at 20, at the rear end 13 ofthe motor vehicle 12. The rear bumper 20 includes a rear bumper beam 21extending transversely. The rear bumper beam 21 is hollow and has agenerally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The rear bumper beam 21 isalso generally arcuate or curved transversely in shape. The rear bumperbeam 21 is made of a metal material such as steel. The rear bumper 20also includes at least one, preferably a pair of bumper brackets 22 and24 to attach the rear bumper beam 21 to the frame 14. The bumperbrackets 22 and 24 are hollow with a generally rectangularcross-sectional shape. The bumper brackets 22 and 24 are made of a metalmaterial such as steel. The bumper brackets 22 and 24 are spacedtransversely along the rear bumper beam 21 and connected thereto bysuitable means such as welding. The bumper bracket 22 is disposed overthe side rail 16 and the bumper bracket 24 is disposed over the siderail 18 of the frame 14. The bumper brackets 22 and 24 are connected tothe side rails 16 and 18, respectively, by suitable means such asfasteners 26. It should be appreciated that, in this embodiment, thefasteners 26 are bolts and nuts extending through the sides of thebumper brackets 22 and 24 and side rails 16 and 18.

The tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10 also includes a tow hitch,generally indicated at 28, integral with and disposed below the rearbumper 20. The tow hitch 28 includes a hitch receiver 30 for receiving ahitch (not shown). The hitch receiver 30 is a hollow tube having agenerally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The tow hitch 28 is made ofa metal material such as steel. The hitch receiver 30 extendslongitudinally and abuts a bottom face 32 of the rear bumper beam 21.The tow hitch 28 may also include a hitch plate 34 connected to thehitch receiver 30. The hitch plate 34 is made of a metal material suchas steel. The hitch plate 34 is a generally rectangular plate connectedto a bottom face 36 of the hitch receiver 30 by suitable means such aswelding. The hitch plate 34 includes at least one, preferably a pair ofapertures 38 with one of the apertures 38 located on each side of thehitch receiver 30. It should be appreciated that the apertures 38 allowtow chains (not shown) to be attached thereto. The tow hitch rear bumperassembly 10 further includes an arch shaped reinforcement 40 connectedto the tow hitch 28 and the frame 14 of the motor vehicle 12.

The arch shaped reinforcement 40 has a generally vertical side wall 41and horizontal bottom wall 42 forming an L shaped cross-section. Thearch shaped reinforcement 40 extends transversely in a generally curvedor arcuate shape. The arch shaped reinforcement 40 is made of a metalmaterial such as steel. The arch shaped reinforcement 40 has its endsconnected to an inboard side of the frame 14. Each end of the archshaped reinforcement 40 has at least one, preferably a pair of apertures43 and 44, which are offset and extend through the side wall 41 andbottom wall 42, respectively. The ends of the arch shaped reinforcement40 are connected by suitable fasteners 48 extending through theapertures 43 and 44 and corresponding apertures 45 and 46 in the siderails 16 and 18. It should be appreciated that the bottom wall 42 isconnected to a bottom face 50 of the side rails 16 and 18 and the sidewall 41 is connected to an inboard face 52 of the side rails 16 and 18.

The arch shaped reinforcement 40 is vertically inclined to lower itselevation to the level of the hitch receiver 30 and diagonally archbraced against a center span of the rear bumper beam 21 behind the hitchreceiver 30. The arch shaped reinforcement 40 has a center thereofconnected to a backside of the hitch receiver 30 by suitable means suchas welding or fastening with bolts. The arch shaped reinforcement 40 isalso connected to the hitch plate 34 by suitable means such as welding.

In operation, one function of the arch shaped reinforcement 40 is toprovide support for the hitch receiver 30. Another function of the archshaped reinforcement 40 is to absorb low speed vehicle collision energy.In a low speed vehicle collision, the arch shaped reinforcement 40 willhelp the rear bumper 20 rebound back to its original shape through thearch force to minimize repair cost as illustrated in FIG. 4. In ahigh-speed vehicle collision by an object 60 as illustrated in FIG. 5,the arch shaped reinforcement 40 will first bend forward to prevent thepremature bending of the side rails 16 and 18 and the rear bumper beam21. This will allow the rear bumper 20 and frame 14 of the motor vehicle12 to crush axially to maximize their energy absorption. Under towingconditions, the rear bumper beam 21 will act like a horizontal crossmember to support the tow hitch 28. The arch shaped reinforcement 40will also serve as the “tension rod” and diagonal bracing for eccentricloading in the towing condition.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 9, another embodiment, according to thepresent invention, of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10 is shown.Like parts of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10 have like referencenumerals increased by one hundred (100). In this embodiment, the towhitch rear bumper assembly 110 includes a rear bumper, generallyindicated at 120, at the rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12. The rearbumper 120 includes a rear bumper beam 121 extending transversely. Therear bumper beam 121 is hollow and has a generally rectangularcross-sectional shape. The rear bumper beam 121 is also generallyarcuate or curved transversely in shape. The transverse ends of the rearbumper beam 121 may be open or generally “C” shaped. The rear bumperbeam 121 has a generally centrally disposed primary aperture 160extending longitudinally through a closed cross-section thereof for afunction to be described. The rear bumper beam 121 also has a secondaryaperture 162 spaced transversely from the primary aperture 160 andextending longitudinally therethrough for a function to be described.The rear bumper beam 121 is made of a metal material such as steel. Therear bumper beam 121 may be a single piece or two pieces having agenerally “C” shape and welded together to form a closed rectangularcross-sectional shape. It should be appreciated that the rear bumperbeam 121 is for a Class II hitch, which has a lower capacity rating fortrailer towing.

The rear bumper 120 also includes at least one, preferably a pair ofbumper brackets 122 and 124 to attach the rear bumper beam 121 to theframe 14. The bumper brackets 122 and 124 are hollow with a generally“C” cross-sectional shape. The bumper brackets 122 and 124 have anaperture 164 extending therethrough to receive the rear bumper beam 121and allow the rear bumper beam 121 to extend therethrough. The bumperbrackets 122 and 124 have a bumperette portion 122 a and 124 a,respectively, extending longitudinally beyond the rear bumper beam 121for a function to be described. The bumper brackets 122 and 124 are madeof a metal material such as steel. The bumper brackets 122 and 124 arespaced transversely along the rear bumper beam 121 and connected theretoby suitable means such as welding. The bumper bracket 122 is disposedover the side rail 16 and the bumper bracket 124 is disposed over theside rail 18 of the frame 14. The bumper brackets 122 and 124 areconnected to the side rails 16 and 18, respectively, by suitable meanssuch as fasteners 126. It should be appreciated that, in thisembodiment, the fasteners 126 are bolts and nuts extending through thesides of the bumper brackets 122 and 124 and side rails 16 and 18.

The tow hitch rear bumper assembly 110 also includes a tow hitch,generally indicated at 128, integral with and extending through the rearbumper 120. The tow hitch 128 includes a hitch receiver 130 forreceiving a hitch (not shown). The hitch receiver 130 is a hollow tubehaving a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The hitch receiver130 is made of a metal material such as steel. The hitch receiver 130extends longitudinally through the primary aperture 160 of the rearbumper beam 121 and is connected to opposed walls of the rear bumperbeam 121 by suitable means such as welding. The tow hitch 128 may alsoinclude a hitch member 134 connected to the hitch receiver 130. Thehitch member 134 is a generally “E” shaped rod member. The hitch member134 is made of a metal material such as steel. The hitch member 134 isconnected to a bottom face 136 of the hitch receiver 130 and to the rearbumper beam 121 by suitable means such as welding. The hitch member 134includes at least one, preferably a pair of apertures 138 with one ofthe apertures 138 located on each side of the hitch receiver 130. Itshould be appreciated that the apertures 138 allow tow chains (notshown) to be attached thereto. It should also be appreciated that thehitch receiver 130 may have an aperture 166 extending therethrough toreceive a lock pin (not shown) to lock the hitch to the hitch receiver130. It should further be appreciated that the hitch receiver 130 iswelded in two places longitudinally to the rear bumper beam 121 toprovide better strength.

The tow hitch rear bumper assembly 110 further includes a wiringreceiver 168 for receiving wiring (not shown), which may be connected toa trailer (not shown). The wiring receiver 168 is a hollow tube having agenerally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The wiring receiver 168 ismade of a metal material such as steel. The wiring receiver 168 extendslongitudinally through the secondary aperture 162 of the rear bumperbeam 121 and is connected to the rear bumper beam 121 by suitable meanssuch as welding. It should be appreciated that the wiring receiver 168may have any suitable cross-sectional shape such as circular.

In operation of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 110, one function ofthe rear bumper beam 121 is to provide support for the hitch receiver130. Another function of the rear bumper beam 121 is to absorb low speedvehicle collision energy. In a low speed vehicle collision, the hitchreceiver 130 and bumperette portions 122 a, 124 a of the bumper brackets122, 124 help the rear bumper beam 121 rebound back to its originalshape through three-point contact to minimize repair cost. In a highspeed vehicle collision by an object (not shown), the hitch receiver 130and bumper brackets 122, 124 first move forward and push the vehicle onthree points to distribute the load and prevent the premature bending ofthe side rails 16 and 18 and the rear bumper beam 121. This will allowthe rear bumper 120 and frame 14 of the motor vehicle 12 to crushaxially to maximize their energy absorption. Under towing conditions,the rear bumper beam 121 will act like a horizontal cross member tosupport the tow hitch 128. It should be appreciated that the tow hitch128 has a higher ground clearance to prevent damage thereto due to rampangle when backing up.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, yet another embodiment, according to thepresent invention, of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10 is shown.Like parts of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 10 have like referencenumerals increased by two hundred (200). In this embodiment, the towhitch rear bumper assembly 210 includes a rear bumper, generallyindicated at 220, at the rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12. The rearbumper 220 includes a rear bumper beam 221 extending transversely. Therear bumper beam 221 is hollow and has a generally rectangularcross-sectional shape throughout its length. The rear bumper beam 221 isalso generally arcuate or curved transversely in shape. The rear bumperbeam 221 has a generally centrally disposed primary aperture 260extending longitudinally through a closed cross-section thereof for afunction to be described. The rear bumper beam 221 also has a secondaryaperture 262 spaced transversely from the primary aperture 260 andextending longitudinally therethrough for a function to be described.The rear bumper beam 221 is made of a metal material such as steel andis made of a thicker gage of material than the rear bumper beam 121. Itshould be appreciated that the rear bumper beam 221 is for a Class IIIor IV hitch, which has a higher capacity for trailer towing.

The rear bumper 220 also includes at least one, preferably a pair ofbumper brackets 222 and 224 to attach the rear bumper beam 221 to theframe 14. The bumper brackets 222 and 224 are open with a generally “C”cross-sectional shape. The bumper brackets 222 and 224 have an aperture264 extending therethrough to receive the rear bumper beam 221 and allowthe rear bumper beam 221 to extend therethrough. The bumper brackets 222and 224 have a bumperette portion 222 a and 224 a, respectively,extending longitudinally beyond the rear bumper beam 221 for a functionto be described. The bumper brackets 222 and 224 are made of a metalmaterial such as steel. The bumper brackets 222 and 224 are spacedtransversely along the rear bumper beam 221 and connected thereto bysuitable means such as welding. The bumper bracket 222 is disposed overthe side rail 16 and the bumper bracket 224 is disposed over the siderail 18 of the frame 14. The bumper brackets 222 and 224 are connectedto the side rails 16 and 18, respectively, by suitable means such asfasteners (not shown). It should be appreciated that, in thisembodiment, the fasteners are bolts and nuts extending through the sidesof the bumper brackets 222 and 224 and side rails 16 and 18.

The tow hitch rear bumper assembly 210 also includes a tow hitch,generally indicated at 228, integral with and extending through the rearbumper 220. The tow hitch 228 includes a hitch receiver 230 forreceiving a hitch (not shown). The hitch receiver 230 is a hollow tubehaving a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The hitch receiver230 is made of a metal material such as steel. The hitch receiver 230extends longitudinally through the primary aperture 260 of the rearbumper beam 221 and is connected to opposed walls of the rear bumperbeam 221 by suitable means such as welding. The tow hitch 228 may alsoinclude a hitch member 234 connected to the hitch receiver 230. Thehitch member 234 is a generally “E” shaped rod member. The hitch member234 is made of a metal material such as steel. The hitch member 234 isconnected to a bottom face 236 of the hitch receiver 230 and to the rearbumper beam 221 by suitable means such as welding. The hitch member 234includes at least one, preferably a pair of apertures 238 with one ofthe apertures 238 located on each side of the hitch receiver 230. Itshould be appreciated that the apertures 238 allow tow chains (notshown) to be attached thereto. It should also be appreciated that thehitch receiver 230 may have an aperture 266 extending therethrough toreceive a lock pin (not shown) to lock the hitch to the hitch receiver230. It should further be appreciated that the hitch receiver 230 iswelded in two places longitudinally to the rear bumper beam 221 toprovide better strength. The tow hitch rear bumper assembly 210 furtherincludes a wiring receiver 268 for receiving wiring (not shown), whichmay be connected to a trailer (not shown). The wiring receiver 268 is ahollow tube having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Thewiring receiver 268 is made of a metal material such as steel. Thewiring receiver 268 extends longitudinally through the secondaryaperture 262 of the rear bumper beam 221 and is connected to the rearbumper beam 221 by suitable means such as welding. It should beappreciated that the wiring receiver 268 may have any suitablecross-sectional shape such as circular.

In operation of the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 210, one function ofthe rear bumper beam 221 is to provide support for the hitch receiver230. Another function of the rear bumper beam 221 is to absorb low speedvehicle collision energy. In a low speed vehicle collision, the hitchreceiver 230 and bumperette portions 222 a, 224 a of the bumper brackets222, 224 help the rear bumper beam 221 rebound back to its originalshape through three-point contact to minimize repair cost. In a highspeed vehicle collision by an object (not shown), the hitch receiver 230and bumper brackets 222, 224 first move forward and push the vehicle onthree points to distribute the load and prevent the premature bending ofthe side rails 16 and 18 and the rear bumper beam 221. This will allowthe rear bumper 220 and frame 14 of the motor vehicle 12 to crushaxially to maximize their energy absorption. Under towing conditions,the rear bumper beam 221 will act like a horizontal cross member tosupport the tow hitch 228. It should be appreciated that the tow hitch228 has a higher ground clearance to prevent damage thereto due to rampangle when backing up.

Referring to FIGS. 12 through 15, a cover assembly 300, according to thepresent invention, is illustrated in operational relationship with themotor vehicle 12, such as a sport utility vehicle. The cover assembly300 is located at a rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12 and covers orconceals the tow hitch rear bumper assembly 110, 210 at the rear end 13of the motor vehicle 12 while allowing access to the tow hitch 128, 228thereof.

In one embodiment, the cover assembly 300 includes a rear bumper fascia302 at the rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12 for covering the rearbumper 120, 220. The rear bumper fascia 302 has a rear wall 304extending transversely. The rear wall 304 is generally rectangular inshape. The rear bumper fascia 302 also has opposed side walls 306extending longitudinally from the rear wall 304 and spaced transverselyfrom each other. The side walls 306 are generally rectangular in shape.The rear bumper fascia 302 has a bottom wall 308 extending generallyperpendicularly from the rear wall 304 and side walls 306.

The rear bumper fascia 302 also has a recess 310 extendinglongitudinally and transversely in the rear wall 304. The recess 310 isgenerally rectangular in shape. The recess 310 has a forward wall 312with a plurality of apertures 314 extending therethrough and spacedtransversely therealong for a function to be described. The rear bumperfascia 302 also has a forward flange 316 extending transversely from theend of each of the side walls 306 with a plurality of apertures 318extending therethrough and spaced vertically therealong for a functionto be described. The rear bumper fascia 302 further has an opening 320in the rear wall 304 and bottom wall 308 for a function to be described.The opening 320 is generally rectangular in shape. The rear bumperfascia 302 is made of a plastic material such as Thermo Plastic Olefin(TPO). It should be appreciated that the rear bumper fascia 302 isintegral, unitary, and formed as one-piece.

The cover assembly 300 also includes at least one, preferably aplurality of fasteners 322 to secure the rear bumper fascia 302 to therear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12. The fasteners 322 are of a screwtype and extend through the apertures 314 in the forward wall 312. Thefasteners 322 engage a rear body panel 324 of the motor vehicle 12 tosecure the rear wall 304 to the rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12. Thefasteners 322 also extend through the apertures 318 in the forwardflanges 316 and engage a wheel housing 326 of the motor vehicle 12 tosecure the side walls 306 to the rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12. Itshould be appreciated that the fasteners 322 may be used to extendthrough the bottom wall 308 to secure the bottom wall 308 to the rearend 13 of the motor vehicle 12. It should also be appreciated that otherflanges (not shown) and fasteners (not shown) may be used to mount therear bumper fascia 302 to the rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12. Itshould further be appreciated that the fasteners 322 are conventionaland known in the art.

The cover assembly 300 further includes a removable door 328 to closethe opening 320 in the rear wall 304 of the rear bumper fascia 302. Thedoor 328 is generally rectangular in shape and complementary to theshape of the opening 320. The door 328 extends transversely andvertically to fill the opening 320 in the rear wall 304 andlongitudinally to fill the opening 320 in the bottom wall 308. The door328 has at least one, preferably a plurality of tabs 330 extendingupwardly from a top edge thereof. The tabs 330 are generally rectangularin shape and spaced transversely. The tabs 330 are received incorresponding apertures 332 in the rear wall 304 of the rear bumperfascia 302 at a top edge of the opening 320. The tabs 330 may have aflange 333 extending outwardly to prevent the tabs 330 fromunintentionally exiting the apertures 332. The door 328 has at leastone, preferably a plurality of apertures 334 extending therethrough neara bottom edge thereof for a function to be described. The door 328 ismade of a plastic material such as Thermo Plastic Olefin (TPO). Itshould be appreciated that the door 328 is integral, unitary, and formedas one piece.

The cover assembly 300 further includes at least one, preferably aplurality of fasteners 336 to secure the door 328 to the rear bumperfascia 302. The fasteners 336 are of the turn-screw type and have aflange 338 extending outwardly to allow an operator to grip thefasteners 336. The fasteners 336 extend through the apertures 334 in thedoor 328 and engage corresponding apertures (not shown) in the bottomwall 308 of the rear bumper fascia 302 to secure the door 328 to therear bumper fascia 302. It should be appreciated that the fasteners 336are conventional and known in the art.

In operation of the cover assembly 300, the rear bumper fascia 302 issecured to the rear end 13 of the motor vehicle 12 with the fasteners322. When secured to the motor vehicle 12, the rear bumper fascia 302conceals the rear bumper 120, 220. The opening 320 allows access to thetow hitch 128, 228. To close the opening 320, the door 328 is moved byan operator toward the opening 320 and upward to dispose the tabs 330 inthe recesses 322 of the rear wall 304. The door 328 is rotated downwardand forward to align the fasteners 336 with the corresponding aperturesin the bottom wall 308. The fasteners 336 are rotated via the flanges338 to secure the door 328 to the rear bumper fascia 302. When the door328 is secured to the rear bumper fascia 302, the tow hitch 128, 228 isconcealed from view. To remove the door 328 from the rear bumper fascia302 to access the tow hitch 128, 228, the operation is reversed. Itshould be appreciated that when the door 328 is disposed in the opening320, the door 328 is flush with the rear wall 304 and bottom wall 308 ofthe rear bumper fascia 302. It should also be appreciated that the door328 may be planar or have a projection (not shown) extending outwardlycorresponding to the location of the tow hitch 128, 228. It shouldfurther be appreciated that the door 328 is integrated with the rearbumper fascia 302 and covers a hard surface of the tow hitch 128, 228normally protruding from the motor vehicle 12, while being aestheticallypleasing.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. Itis to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, isintended to be in the nature of words of description rather than oflimitation. Many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within thescope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practicedother than as specifically described.

1. A trailer hitch and bumper assembly for attachment to a vehicleframe, the assembly absorbing collision energy and distributing thecollision energy to the frame comprising: a transversely extendingbumper 120 having a hollow cross-sectional bumper beam 121, said bumperbeam 121 defining a centrally disposed primary aperture 160 extendinglongitudinally through said bumper beam 121; a pair of bumper brackets122, 124 secured to transverse ends of said bumper beam, said bumperbrackets designed to secure said bumper assembly to said vehicle frameand to distribute collision energy to said frame; a pair of bumperetteportions 122 a, 124 a extending longitudinally beyond the rear bumperbeam 121; and a tow hitch 128 secured to said bumper beam 121 andoverlying said primary aperture 160 designed to receive a tow hitchreceiver
 130. 2. The trailer hitch and bumper assembly of claim 1, saidvehicle achieving a high ramp angle ground clearance, wherein saidvehicle includes two parallel side rails 16, 18 and said bumper brackets122, 124 are positioned over the ends of said side rails.
 3. The trailerhitch and bumper assembly of claim 1, said vehicle achieving a high rampangle ground clearance, wherein a bottom face 136 of said hitch receiver130 is positioned above a bottom wall 308 of a rear bumper fascia whensaid assembly is installed in said vehicle.
 4. The trailer hitch andbumper assembly of claim 1, wherein said bumperette portions 122 a, 124a are secured to said bumper brackets 122,
 124. 5. The trailer hitch andbumper assembly of claim 4, wherein said bumperette portions 122 a, 124a are portions of said bumper brackets 122,
 124. 6. The trailer hitchand bumper assembly of claim 1, wherein said bumper beam 121 furtherdefines a secondary aperture 162 extending longitudinally through saidbumper beam 121, and further comprising: a wiring receiver 168 extendinglongitudinally through said secondary aperture
 162. 7. The trailer hitchand bumper assembly of claim 1, whereby said hitch receiver 130 and saidbumperette portions 122 a, 124 a define three contact points in avehicle collision.
 8. A trailer hitch and bumper assembly for attachmentto a vehicle frame, the assembly absorbing collision energy anddistributing the collision energy to the frame comprising: atransversely extending bumper 120 having a bumper beam 121, said bumperbeam 121 defining a centrally disposed primary aperture 160 extendinglongitudinally through said bumper beam 121, and a secondary aperture162 extending longitudinally through said bumper beam 121; a pair ofbumper brackets 122, 124 defining apertures 164 extending therethroughto receive said rear bumper beam 121 and allow said bumper beam 121 toextend therethrough, said bumper brackets 122, 124 having bumperetteportions 122 a, 124 a extending longitudinally beyond said rear bumperbeam 121, said bumper brackets 122, 124 spaced transversely along therear bumper beam 121 and connected thereto, said bumper brackets 122,124 being designed to secure said trailer hitch and bumper assembly tosaid vehicle frame; a wiring receiver 168 extending longitudinallythrough said secondary aperture 162; and a tow hitch 128 secured to saidbumper beam 121 overlying said primary aperture
 160. 9. A trailer hitchand bumper assembly for attachment to a vehicle frame, the assemblyabsorbing collision energy and distributing the collision energy to theframe comprising: a transversely extending bumper 120 having a bumperbeam 121, said bumper beam 121 defining a centrally disposed primaryaperture 160 extending longitudinally through said bumper beam 121, anda secondary aperture 162 extending longitudinally through said bumperbeam 121; a pair of bumper brackets 122, 124 defining an aperture 164extending therethrough to receive said rear bumper beam 121 and allowsaid bumper beam 121 to extend therethrough, said bumper brackets 122,124 having bumperette portions 122 a, 124 a extending longitudinallybeyond said rear bumper beam 121, said bumper brackets 122, 124 spacedtransversely along said rear bumper beam 121 and connected thereto, saidbumper brackets 122, 124 being designed to secure said trailer hitch andbumper assembly to said vehicle frame; a wiring receiver 168 extendinglongitudinally through said secondary aperture 162; and a tow hitch 128secured to said bumper beam 121 and a hitch receiver 130 overlying saidprimary aperture 160, whereby said hitch receiver 130 and saidbumperette portions 122 a, 124 a define three contact points with anobject in a rear collision.
 10. An integral, unitary, and one-piece rearbumper fascia for attachment to a vehicle and designed to conceal atrailer hitch and bumper assembly comprising: a rear wall 304 extendingtransversely; two opposed side walls 306 extending longitudinally fromthe rear wall 304 and spaced transversely from each other; a bottom wall308 extending generally perpendicularly from the rear wall 304 and sidewalls 306; a recess 310 extending longitudinally and transversely in therear wall 304, the recess 310 is generally rectangular in shape; aforward flange 316 extending transversely from the end of each of theside walls 306 defining a plurality of apertures 318 extendingtherethrough and spaced vertically therealong to attach the fascia tothe vehicle; and the rear wall 304 and bottom wall 308 defining anopening 320 to provide access to a tow hitch and a wiring receiverextending through said assembly.
 11. The fascia of claim 10, furthercomprising a door to close the opening
 320. 12. The fascia of claim 11,further comprising a plurality of tabs 330 on the door and a pluralityof apertures 332 in the fascia corresponding to and receiving said tabs330 to removably secure the door to the fascia.
 13. The fascia of claim10, said vehicle achieving a high ramp angle ground clearance, wherein abottom face 136 of a hitch receiver 130 is positioned above said bottomwall 308 when said fascia is installed in said vehicle.
 14. The fasciaof claim 11, said bottom wall 308 defining apertures to receivefasteners that secure said door to said fascia.